Prince Buaben wanted to return to Scotland so that he could be closer to his young son.

Hearts new recruit Prince Buaben says he decided to return to the Scottish Premier League to be close to his son.

The Ghana midfielder signed a one-year contract after impressing on trial.

Buaben previously was at Dundee United for four years from the summers of 2007 to 2011.

A move to Watford was hampered immediately by injury, and after recovering to break into the team another injury ended his prospects there.

After joining Carlisle United last season he spent the second half of the campaign on loan at Partick Thistle.

The return to Scotland satisfied an irresistible urge.

"I went to Partick because I wanted to be close to my son 'PJ' [Prince Junior, who is three] who is still in Dundee," said the 26-year-old.

"I was always looking to come back up here to be closer to my son. It was hard, especially when I was lying in Watford. He came down a few times but there were times I would miss him and get depressed. Now I can go and see him after training

"Before I came here people said I had a point to prove but I didn't come here to prove a point. I just came here to help the club back to where they belong, the Premiership."